Arizona: Bivens Drops Out, Democratic Field Clears

Former state Democratic Party Chairman Don Bivens is dropping out of the race to replace retiring Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).

“The continuing head-to-head competition of our Democratic primary is draining resources that we will need as a Party to win the U.S. Senate race in November,” he wrote in a statement. “While I am confident we would win this primary, the cost and impact on the Party I’ve spent my life fighting for could diminish our chance to achieve the ultimate goal: winning in November.”

Bivens had a stellar third quarter in fundraising, but momentum quickly shifted to former Surgeon General Richard Carmona when he entered the race in November. Carmona had the backing of much of the national Democratic establishment.

In a joint statement with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (Wash.), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) wrote that he was “heartened that Don has decided to focus his time and energy” on President Barack Obama’s re-election and on Carmona’s campaign.

“His leadership in our party has been critical to our success in Arizona. I know that Don will continue to contribute to our party and our country in the months and years to come,” Murray added in the statement.